Employee Spotlight – Markus Green
"Companies should prioritize safety over production"
In this month’s employee spotlight, we talk to Markus Green, a safety specialist in our Dallas office. Markus leads our safety automation group in solving forklift/pedestrian interaction issues with advanced solutions. With June being National Safety Month, we talked with him about how he approaches safety for his customers.
What sparked your interest in safety solutions, and how did you start your career in this field?
My interest in safety solutions was ignited when I began working at Cisco-Eagle and was introduced to the AisleCop concept. The practicality and importance of this system resonated with me immediately. As I delved deeper into its application, my interest broadened towards a wider field of safety systems.
What excites you most about your work within the safety division?
The opportunity to be creative is what excites me the most. Every project brings unique challenges, and no two systems are alike. This constant variation allows me to innovate and push the boundaries of what our safety systems can achieve. The creative problem-solving aspect is incredibly fulfilling.
What’s your approach to designing safety solutions for companies?
My initial approach is to thoroughly understand what the customer needs. While I bring a wealth of experience and ideas from previous projects, I always start with an open mind, focusing on the specific requirements and context of each client. This ensures that the solutions we design are truly tailored to their needs.
Are there any challenges you often encounter in this process?
Challenges are given in this field. Each work environment presents unique obstacles, whether it’s low ceilings or unusual space configurations. Every installation brings its own set of difficulties that we need to navigate, but overcoming these challenges is part of what makes the work rewarding.
Can you share how your team has helped a client improve their safety standards?
One memorable project was an AisleCop safety system we implemented in Tennessee. It was a 22-gate forklift/pedestrian safety system designed to protect workers in an area where trucks carrying molten metal passed through. Seeing the system in action and knowing it was effectively keeping pedestrians safe was a proud moment for our team.
How do you see safety trends evolving within our industry?
Safety is increasingly becoming a top priority for companies. Many now have mandates to find and implement safety solutions. A growing trend is the aim to eliminate any interaction between pedestrians and vehicles, highlighting the increasing focus on creating safer work environments. This trend is becoming more prevalent across various facilities.
What advice would you give companies looking to enhance safety in their operations?
Prioritize safety over production. While making money is crucial, however, it cannot come at the expense of a safe working environment. Employees need to feel safe to be productive and maintain confidence in their workplace. Investing in safety is ultimately an investment in the well-being and efficiency of your operations.
You were raised in the Pacific Northwest. What was it like?
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest was wonderful. The pace of life was slower, and the natural beauty was breathtaking, with scenic views and numerous opportunities for recreational activities. Living in Portland instilled an openness and appreciation for diversity that I carry with me to this day.
Who is Cisco-Eagle?
Cisco-Eagle is its employees. What I appreciate most about our company is we all have been empowered to make decisions that help us to perform our jobs. There’s minimal red tape, and we have strong support from our leadership when needed. The employees are truly the heart of Cisco-Eagle, driving its success and making it a great place to work.
Download the forklift/pedestrian safety guide
Keeping pedestrians safe in busy operations is an ongoing process critical for any industrial facility. With that in mind, we’ve published a guide to forklift-pedestrian safety that highlights the factors, suggests solutions and presents information on this critical issue.
Download the guide today
Evan Fleishacker